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===XFC 13: Unstoppable===
===XFC 13: Unstoppable===
XFC returned to Tampa Bay for their thirteenth event, which occurred on Decembmer 3, 2010. A featherweight title bout between [[Jarrod Card]] and [[Luis Palomino]] headlined the card. The bout went all five rounds, with Palomino winning a unanimous decision. [[Chris Barnett]] defeated [[Mario Rinaldi (MMA) | Mario Rinaldi]] by TKO in the second round of their bout, while prospect Joe Ray dropped a split decision to [[South African]] Jeremy Smith.
XFC returned to Tampa Bay for their thirteenth event, which occurred on Decembmer 3, 2010. A featherweight title bout between [[Jarrod Card]] and [[Luis Palomino]] headlined the card. The bout went all five rounds, with Palomino winning a unanimous decision. [[Chris Barnett]] defeated [[Mario Rinaldi (MMA) | Mario Rinaldi]] by TKO in the second round of their bout, while prospect Joe Ray dropped a split decision to [[South African]] Jeremy Smith.

==Current XFC world champions==
Bantamweight Champion: '''[[Pablo Alfonso]]'''


==Current champions==
==Current champions==

Revision as of 05:38, 4 December 2010

Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC)
Company typePrivate
IndustryMixed martial arts promotion
Founded2006
FounderJohn Prisco
Headquarters
Tampa, Florida
,
United States
Websitehttp://www.officialxfc.com/

Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC) is a United States mixed martial arts (MMA) organization that has produced stadium fight cards in Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, runs MMA-themed gyms[1] , and sells MMA-related merchandise. The company is also pursuing international ventures in at least 12 other countries.[2] Based out of Tampa, the organization was credited by the Tampa Tribune for setting the Florida statewide attendance record for an MMA event when they drew over 11,000 fans to the St. Pete Times Forum on November 11, 2007[3] and was credited in September, 2008 by Yahoo Sports for being "the best kept secret in the sport[4]." On February 20, 2009, XFC produced the first-ever professional MMA fight card in Tennessee state history, drawing 5,200 fans at the Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville.[5]

XFC programming airs in various regional markets, as well as nationwide on HDNet, with four live fight cards having aired on HDNet in 2009, four live fight cards in 2010, and options for 2011.[6]

Differentiating itself from rival MMA organizations like UFC, Affliction and Strikeforce, XFC has adopted a more grassroots, fan-friendly persona.[7]

According to XFC president John Prisco, the company's philosophy is that "...there’s more undiscovered talent in MMA than established talent. Modern MMA is only about 18 years old, and each year exponentially more aspiring fighters join the sport by training in an MMA gym, entering amateur tournaments, or competing on the pro level. ...XFC firmly believes that there are dozens of fighters – maybe more – toiling away in anonymity in MMA gyms and low-end fight cards worldwide that could dominate the most celebrated champions of today. Maybe not right now – maybe they’d need a year or two of intense training, combined with the support of a promotion like the XFC that’s willing to invest its resources in their long-term development – but the undiscovered talent is definitely out there... And we’re gonna find it."[8]

XFC also owns and operates MMA training facilities for professional fighters, amateur fighters, and children. For kid's MMA training, the children wear protective gear and "fight" in a controlled environment to limit injuries.[9]

History

XFC 1: Dynamite

The organization's first stadium event was called XFC 1: Dynamite and was staged at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida on November 11, 2007. The show officially drew over 11,000 MMA fans, tripling the former record for attendance at an MMA event in the state of Florida.[3] XFC president John Prisco claims that the actual attendance number was closer to 13,000.[10]

XFC 2: Rage in the Cage

The XFC returned to the St. Pete Times forum on March 2, 2008, with a show called XFC 2: Rage in the Cage. Among the celebrities in attendance was former professional wrestling star Hulk Hogan, who watched his nephew David Bollea win his professional debut on the XFC undercard.[11] Bollea had issued a to boxer-versus-MMA fighter challenge to boxing champion Floyd Mayweather leading up to his fight.[12]

XFC 3: Battle in the Bluegrass

XFC 3: Battle in the Bluegrass event was the company's first show staged outside of Florida, taking place at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky and drew 6,000 fans on Saturday, June 7; a small riot broke out after the main event, when local favorite Benny Stanley was choked out by Scott Porter in 13 seconds, leading to one arrest. Another known local Brad Chamberlain won via KO in the first round.[13] WNKY, Lexington's NBC News affiliate, reported that XFC set the Kentucky statewide record for MMA attendance with the promotion.[14]

XFC 4: Judgement in the Cage

XFC 4: Judgement in the Cage[15] returned to the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa on June 28, 2008 and drew over 10,700 fans, at the time the second largest crowd for an MMA promotion in Florida history.[16] -- trailing only XFC's first Dynamite for the overall Florida attendance record. John "Mulatto Mauler" Mahlow defeated Eben "The Big O" Oroz by unanimous decision for the XFC lightweight title in the main event, and in the undercard, the much-heralded Matt Juncal—a three-time high school state wrestling champion from nearby Brandon, Florida and a former college All American wrestler[17] -- made his MMA debut, defeating the also-debuting Jeff Mansir by submission in the first round.

XFC 5: Return of the Giant

The main event of XFC's fifth show, XFC 5: Return of the Giant, which took place on September 13, 2008 at the St. Pete Times Forum, featured the MMA comeback of Gan McGee[18]. McGee, who stands six-foot, 10-inches tall and is known as "The Giant," had last fought on American soil during a UFC Pay-Per-View, when he battled heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia for UFC's world title. The fight ended up being highly controversial; Sylvia defeated McGee, but tested positive for steroids in a post-fight drug test. Sylvia was suspended by the Nevada Boxing Commission for six-months and was stripped of his title[19], but McGee was never granted a rematch, nor was the loss expunged from his record. McGee faced Johanathan Ivey, a 250-pound brawler who stated that McGee "should've stayed retired.[20]"

Ivey failed to deliver on his pre-fight promise: a record-setting 11,200 fans watched McGee defeat Ivey by second round knockout.[21]

XFC 6: Clash of the Continents

On December 5, 2008, XFC closed out the year with its sixth promotion, XFC 6: Clash of the Continents, returning once again to the St. Pete Times Forum. The show featured a heavyweight showdown in the main event, with the top-ranked heavyweight in Africa, South African heavyweight champion Rico Hattingh, against undefeated American heavyweight Chad Corvin.[22] Also on the card was the MMA debut of four-time world female boxing champion of Chevelle Hallback, in the XFC's first-ever female cage fight.[23]

Hallback won by TKO in the first round[24], and Corvin beat Hattingh, knocking out the South African heavyweight champion. [25]

Among the celebrities in attendance were Linda Hogan, her young boyfriend, and Nick Hogan. When the three were introduced to the crowd, the audience booed loudly. Video of the Hogans getting booed at the XFC event aired on E!, TMZ, and celebrity websites like Perez Hilton.[26]

XFC 7: School of Hard Knox

XFC made history on February 20, 2008 when it produced the first-ever professional MMA show in Tennessee state history[27]; the Tennessee state legislature had legalized MMA only months earlier.[28] At XFC 7: School of Hard Knox, former University of Tennessee football player Ovince St. Preux knocked out CT Turner with a kick to the head[29] and Chad Corvin stayed undefeated by stopping the then-6-0 Scott Barrett in the first round.[30]

XFC 8: Regional Conflict

The company returns to Knoxville on April 25 for XFC 8: Regional Conflict; the event will also be broadcast live nationwide on HDNet. Undefeated Bruce Connors, a former sniper scout with the U.S. Marines who served in Afghanistan, and also an officer with the police department SWAT division, will battle Jarrod Card for the XFC featherweight world title.[31] Ex-WWE star and three-time NAIA national wrestling champion Bobby Lashley will be at the event to present the winner of the fight a newly-designed world title belt.[32]

XFC 9: Evolution

XFC 9 was held in Tampa Bay on September 5, 2009. The card was headlined by a fight between Jon Koppenhaver and Florida native Mikey Gomez. Koppenhaver won the bout via technical knockout early in the third round.

XFC 10: Night of Champions

Remaining in Tampa Bay, XFC hosted their tenth event on March 19, 2010. Jarrod Card submitted Jason Wood with a rear naked choke to retain the XFC featherweight title in the feature bout. Junior Assuncao caught John Mahlow in a guillotine choke in the first round of their bout to capture the XFC lightweight title.

XFC 11: The Next Generation

Tampa Bay saw the eleventh XFC event on July 9, 2010. In the feature bout, Micah Miller knocked out Florida journeyman Bruce Connors inside of one round. Miller connected with a knee from the Thai plum and threw a flurry of punches, ending with a left jab.

XFC 12: Mayhem

XFC 12 took place on October 10, 2010 in Kyrenia, Cyprus. In the feature bout, featherweight champion Jarrod Card submitted Tony Hervey with a rear naked choke to retain the XFC featherweight title. Meanwhile, highly ranked welterweight prospect Joe Ray knocked out Gerardo Julio Gallegos in the first round of their bout.

XFC 13: Unstoppable

XFC returned to Tampa Bay for their thirteenth event, which occurred on Decembmer 3, 2010. A featherweight title bout between Jarrod Card and Luis Palomino headlined the card. The bout went all five rounds, with Palomino winning a unanimous decision. Chris Barnett defeated Mario Rinaldi by TKO in the second round of their bout, while prospect Joe Ray dropped a split decision to South African Jeremy Smith.

Current champions

Division Upper weight limit Champion Since Title Defenses
Lightweight 155 lb (70 kg) Brazil Junior Assunção July 9, 2010 (XFC 10) 0
Featherweight 145 lb (66 kg) Peru Luis Palomino March 19, 2010 (XFC 13) 0
Bantamweight 135 lb (61 kg) United States Pablo Alfonso September 5, 2009 (XFC 9) 0

Other noteworthy XFC fighters

Former UFC heavyweight title contender Gan McGee

Four-time female world boxing champion Chevelle Hallback

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Chad Corvin, who's widely viewed as one of the top young American heavyweights.[33][34][35]

Featherweight contenders Bruce Connors and Jarrod Card

Numerous media reports have linked Bobby Lashley with the XFC. John Prisco has confirmed that Lashley and the XFC are both in serious discussions, and hope to sign a contract for Lashley to fight in the XFC soon.[36]

XFC in other media

In an article previewing Matt Juncal's pro debut, Tampa Tribune sportswriter Eddie Daniels reports that XFC is in talks with a movie production company to allow it to film "Versus" -- a movie about an ex-Marine who ends up fighting for the MMA light heavyweight title—at one of XFC's upcoming events[37].

References

  1. ^ "XFC MMA Training Homepage". XFC. 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. ^ "Uncaged". Gulf Coast Business Review. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b "Record Crowd Flocks To MMA Event At Forum". Tampa Tribune. 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-12. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help) [dead link]
  4. ^ "Xtreme Fighting Championships drawing record-setting crowds in Florida". MMA Junkie. 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ^ "State's first mixed martial arts event is a wild time at Thompson-Boling". Knoxville News Sentinel. 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ "XFC Announces Multiyear Television Deal with HDNet‏". MMA News. 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-26. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. ^ "Xtreme Fighting selects FWV to broaden brand". PR Week. 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-26. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ^ "Exclusive: One-on-One with XFC President John Prisco". Fight Ticker. 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. ^ "Mixed martial arts trains kids to defend themselves". St. Petersburg Times. 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  10. ^ "Local MMA Company Beating Back Economic Woes". Tampa Tribune. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-09. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  11. ^ "Bollea's Quest Leads Him To MMA". Tampa Tribune. 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  12. ^ "Hulk Hogan's Nephew 'King' David Bollea: Bring Me Floyd Mayweather in MMA Bout!". Impact Wrestling. 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  13. ^ "Rondo helps prevent theft — passes out 16 dimes". The Times Tribune. 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  14. ^ "BATTLE IN THE BLUEGRASS". WNKY. 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  15. ^ "Salute to Our Armed Forces". XFC. 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-06-30. Retrieved 2008-05-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  16. ^ "10,700 Mixed Martial Arts Fans Flock to the St. Pete Times Forum". Sherdog. 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  17. ^ "Wrestling success leads former Brandon star to mixed martial arts". St. Petersburg Times. 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  18. ^ "McGee returns to the cage". Sports Illustrated. 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  19. ^ "Stanozolol". Medic8 Medicines.
  20. ^ "Gan "The Giant" McGee Returns To MMA On September 13th". MMA Extreme. 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ "MMA: 13" height advantage sees Gan "The Giant" McGee prevail in comeback fight". Vancouver Sun. 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-14. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  22. ^ "Africa's Top Two Heavyweights Invade America at Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC)'s "Clash of the Continents"". iFight365. 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-11. {{cite web}}: C1 control character in |title= at position 112 (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  23. ^ "Female boxing champ Chevelle Hallback moving to MMA, debuts Dec. 5". MMA Junkie. 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  24. ^ "XFC Makes History, Hallback Earns Victory In Debut". Tampa Tribune. 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  25. ^ "XFC 6: 2 title fights, 2 top South African heavyweights, 1 female pro boxing Champion, and a stunningly vicious knockout". Pro MMA. 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  26. ^ "The Hogans Get Booed !!!!!". Perez Hilton. 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-09. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  27. ^ "Former Vol on card for Mixed Martial Arts event at Thompson-Boling". Knoxville News Sentinel. 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-12. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  28. ^ "State approves legislation allowing mixed martial arts, creates new athletic commission". Memphis Business Journal. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  29. ^ "XFC 7: St. Preux wows crowd with KO". Knoxville News Sentinel. 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  30. ^ "Exclusive: XFC 7 Post-Event Interview with Chad Corvin". Fight Ticker. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  31. ^ "Connors vs. Card Set for XFC FW Title on Apr. 25". Fight Network. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-31. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  32. ^ "XFC 8: Lashley to be 'special guest'". Knoxville News Sentinel. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-31. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  33. ^ "XFC 7: A closer look at Chad Corvin". Knoxville News Sentinel. 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  34. ^ "MIXED MARTIAL ARTS: Still unbeaten, Corvin taking a short break". The News-Enterprise. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-31. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  35. ^ "A fighter on the rise". Courier-Journal. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-29. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help) [dead link]
  36. ^ "Bobby Lashley not fighting Marcus Jones at XFC 8". MMA Fighting. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  37. ^ "Juncal Set To Make Pro Debut". Tampa Tribune. 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-28. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
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